There is a sense of peace that comes over Kamryn Bass when she steps on stage.
Not because she’s used to the spotlight by now, or because she has the confidence of a five-time All-State choir member.
It’s not something she was born with, unlike her unique alto voice and three-point shooting touch.
She felt it for the first time while praising God and helping lead worship at Faith Church in Oklahoma City. Now, a solo performance isn’t so intimidating, especially when her mind is on what matters most.
“Not a lot of people know this, but I hate singing by myself,” she said. “Before I started leading worship I would not sing in front of people. But the first time I got up on stage at church, I felt like I wasn’t really singing to anyone else but God.
“It was overwhelming.”
Bass, a standout senior for the Mustang Broncos, will be playing in the Class 6A State Tournament this week at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman. She is the team’s go-to three-point threat, finally healthy after missing the last two seasons due to ACL and meniscus tears which she suffered as a sophomore.
During that time, she used her first love as an outlet. Her lifelong passion kept her mentally stable during the long, drawn-out rehab process.
“Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans and “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake became the two songs Bass turned to most.
“I dove into them,” she said. “Music has always been something that can calm me down when things are hard and those are the two songs that are very dear to my heart. We have a good God and I love singing about it.”
Kamryn Bass (Sr.) attempts a three-pointer during a game against Norman North earlier this season at the Mustang Event Center. Bass returned to the court for her senior campaign and immediately resumed her role as Mustang’s top three-point threat. (Photo by Ron Lane / Lane Images)
Bass’ mom and Mustang head coach, Katie Smith, just smiles and sings as Kamryn helps lead praise each Sunday morning.
A few tears are shed here and there. She can see the joy in her daughter’s eyes and is proud of her faith and witness.
“I feel like that’s the happiest she has ever been, when she is on stage at church and bringing God into other people’s lives,” Smith said. “She is nervous when singing in choir, but not in worship.
“The spirit takes over.”
Bass returned to the court this season and slowly grew back into her role as a leader and sharpshooter. The 5-foot-6 guard is one of six upperclassmen who are not only on their way to state, but also headed to a 6A academic state title.
She shows up early to practice, looking to get her shooting stroke down before anyone else steps foot on the court. She also tries to focus on the “little things,” leading the team in charges this season while finding different ways to contribute during games.
“Just like the other seniors, she understands her role and shows up and gets better,” Smith said. “The last two years were hard with her knee and being afraid to hurt it again, but she worked extremely hard and was able to finally get back on the floor and help us win.”
Bass is just relieved to be in the mix. It has been a rollercoaster ride of emotion, and a grind, but she has relished every moment.
“My basketball career has been very up and down,” she said. “Looking back now, it has flown by. The last two seasons were hard because I was there with them mentally, just not physically.
“I was nervous at first, but now I’m just glad to be playing and showcasing my abilities without anything holding me back.”
The Broncos take on the Edmond Memorial Bulldogs on Wednesday night in the first round of the State Tournament. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
They defeated Lawton Ike, Bedlam rival Yukon, and Norman on their way to the Regional Consolation championship.
“We’re excited,” Bass said. “This team is player-led, and everyone has accepted their role. We’ve had some ups and downs, which is normal, but we’ve learned to get through it. And here we are… together.”
QUITE THE SURPRISE
When Bass picked up The Oklahoman sports section on Jan. 30, she was caught a little off guard.
Sure, she had been interviewed by preps writer Hallie Hart, but it didn’t really hit her until she saw the feature story in print. Right on the front page.
“I was a little surprised because I had felt like what I’ve done has been overlooked,” Bass said. “I don’t really like having a lot of praise and at times I have felt like I have even overlooked myself.
“So, I was like ‘wow, I might actually be doing something.’”
Bass says she has a hard time saying no, taking part in multiple organizations at MHS.
She is active in PCLC and Bronco Athletic Council, among other groups. She is in two choirs where she has earned All-State honors for five straight years. And she is a captain for a state tournament team.
Not to mention Bass carries a 4.0 GPA, is a member of NHS, and is well on her way to valedictorian status this May.
“I really enjoy doing things for others and seeing how it makes them happy,” she said. “I just love to be involved and love using my gift to serve God and others.”
Bass plans on attending the University of Central Oklahoma where she will room with current teammate Parker Simonsen and study to be a speech pathologist.
“I’m excited to see what the future holds,” she said. “I’m always thinking about what’s next.”
FAMILY THREE-POINT CHAMPION
Bass and her family have a strong bond, mostly built around basketball.
Smith played at Edmond Santa Fe for her father, Paul Bass, who is one of the winningest coaches in Oklahoma High School history.
Keagan Bass, Kamryn’s older brother, plays football at Air Force, but was also a standout athlete on the court. Khloe, now in middle school, will soon be a Bronco as well.
Kamryn Bass (front row) poses with her teammates after winning the Area Consolation championship last week at Shawnee High School. Bass and the Broncos take on Edmond Memorial in the first round of the 6A State Tournament on Wednesday. (Photo by Trey Hunter)
“We have always been close, and we all have a great relationship,” said Kamryn, who thinks back on growing up in a basketball family. “It all started when my grandpa was coaching. I remember just being there in the Santa Fe gym, shooting over a pole and working on my form with him.”
Kamryn’s passion may be serving others and cheering them on, but she knows competition is in her blood. She continues to challenge her mom, who still holds the Edmond Santa Fe single-game three-point record. Kamryn currently has bragging rights.
“The last time we played, I definitely won. So as of right now, I’m one up on her.”
